Celine Song's 'Materialists' film critiques hyper-capitalist romance through matchmaker antiheroine

Celine Song's upcoming film 'Materialists,' set for release in 2025, is a satirical romantic comedy that examines love amidst hyper-capitalism. The narrative centers on matchmaker Lucy, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, as she navigates her connections with cater waiter John (Chris Evans) and financier Harry (Pedro Pascal), emphasizing how finances shape romantic encounters. In New York, Lucy's approach to matchmaking reduces potential partners to mere statistics, such as height and wealth. Clients often perceive partners as commodities, with one bride seeking marriage to provoke jealousy in her sister. Lucy compares her profession to 'working at the morgue,' viewing individuals as lifeless. A pivotal moment occurs when John proposes with a daisy ring, altering the film's tone. The story also features a cavepeople vignette, hinting at the primitive origins of marriage. Philippa Snow offers a review in ArtReview.